Are private sector banks catching up with their pubic sector counterparts in piling up non-performing assets (NPAs)? Well, that seems to be the case, if one were to go by latest data. True value of NPAs with private banks hitherto undeclared or little known seems to be emerging from the woodwork after the asset quality review undertaken by the Reserve Bank (RBI).

Empowering consumers through a modern, simple and progressive law is a welcome move. Apart from protecting consumer interest, the new law that replaces Consumer Protection Act of 1986, should be able to curb unfair trade practices.

The Trump administration’s paranoia against Indian technology professionals must stop. Unless this American belligerence on H-1B and L1 visas is given up, taking the Indo-US bilateral partnership to stratospheric levels may only remain a pipedream.

Call it a ‘stimulus’ or christen it any way you like, but the Narendra Modi government seems to have moved decisively to bring the mojo back in the Indian economy that’s been on a slide for several quarters. Without admitting an economic slowdown, the government is attempting, albeit belatedly, a two-pronged strategy to scale up public spending and create millions of jobs lost.

In order to clear the way for contract farming in India, the government is planning a model law, which after getting finalised by the end of this year, would be sent to states so that they can formulate their individual laws. As agriculture is a state subject, the final call to enact law would be the responsibility of states.

A one off measure to manage pollution in the national capital region (NCR) or elsewhere will not work. The ban on sale of crackers during Diwali imposed by the Supreme Court should only be seen as a first step towards cleaning up the quality of air that’s dangerously poisonous with particulate matter, toxins and cancer-causing carcinogenic agents.

US President Donald Trump celebrating Deepawali at his Oval Office in White House may not have impressed Indians seeking jobs in American technology companies. Our talented technology professionals, in particular, are not too enthused either about Rex Tillerson, US secretary of state, overtures towards India on the political front.

Making available quality medicines at affordable prices with the right components thrown in should be the focus of any sensible drug policy. Four years ago, the drug pricing control order (DPCO) was laid out as part of the government’s efforts to introduce logic and reasoning in consumer prices of formulations sold across the counter and prescription drugs.

In order to boost rural incomes, the government is considering allowing small farmers to take loans for animal husbandry and pisi culture at a lower interest rate of 4 per cent. There can be no argument that the small farmer and marginal sections of society need to be given loans at subsidised rates so that they can alleviate their economic condition and come out of grinding poverty.